Mixed+Ability+Classrooms+in+English

**NOTE: This page needs updating!**

As English teachers we should consciously vary the ways in which we ask students to learn. This will assist students who learn in different ways and assist us to build up a valid language profile for our students.

Vary teaching approaches to suit different learning styles: In this respect theory on learning styles proposes four different approaches: auditory, visual, verbal and kinaesthetic. A variety of approaches such as teacher centred (notes, textbooks, explanations), learner centre (doing, investigating, problem solving, role plays), learner observation (videos, demonstrations, modelling) helps to ensure that students’ different styles may be accommodated. Research also suggests that a kinaesthetic style may well suit boys’ learning.

Vary task design: open ended tasks, cloze tasks, tests, reciprocal reading activities, seminars, inquiry-based learning, three level guides etc. For more information, consult the professional texts in the English Department staff library.

Vary learning interaction: individual, pairs, groups, whole class; classroom-based, library-based, interactive.

It is important to provide for the range of abilities and learning styles within each class and to treat each student as a unique individual with varying learning needs. Classrooms should be learner-centred, and lessons planned according to the needs of the class not just according to teacher expectations of a certain year level.

